Published on July 2, 2025 6:30 am
Last Updated on July 2, 2025 4:43 pm
Dr. Melvin Willenborg, 92, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, St. Anthony Schools or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Mel was born on May 9, 1933, in Effingham, the son of Albert G. and Celeste (Renschen) Willenborg. Mel was a graduate of St. Anthony High School in 1951. He started working for the Illinois Central Railroad in his senior year before entering St. Louis University for pre dental studies. Mel served his country in the United States Army, being stationed in Japan. He then returned to St. Louis University to finish dental school. Mel married Marge Goeckner in June of 1957. Mel completed dental school and graduated in May 1960. He started his practice in Effingham in December 1960 and retired in 1995. After retiring in 1995, he started spending his winters in Florida, first at Lakeland and then in Naples. Mel enjoyed walking and doing yard work. He played lots of cards, and especially enjoyed bridge and pinochle tournaments with the family. He took many fishing trips to Canada and Alaska. Having 4 sons who also loved fishing made for many good times. Mel also had many good fishing and golf friends to help him enjoy life. Mel was a member of St. Anthony Parish and served on the parish board and school board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mel served on the Wabash River Dental Society Board, being president for a year, and was a member of the American Dental Association. Mel served on the Lake Sara Water Authority board for 6 years and was a member of the Effingham Country Club.
Mel is survived by his wife, Marge; children, Mike (Deb) Willenborg, Kevin (Kim) Willenborg, Phil (Anita) Willenborg, and Bruce Willenborg; grandchildren, Lisa (Chris) Weaver, Jaclyn (Mike) Sprague, Alyson (David) Kim, Emily (Matthew) Hartman, John (Olivia) Willenborg, Kristin (Ryan) Ainsworth, Kyle (Sara) Willenborg, Karson Willenborg, Jordan (Bria) Willenborg, Jacob (Brittany) Willenborg, Jenny Willenborg (fiancé, Shawn Maxwell), Nick (Kelsey) Willenborg, and Joe (Faith) Willenborg; 20 great-grandchildren and 3 coming; and siblings, Art Willenborg, Larry Willenborg, Joan (Donald) Koester, and Marge Pearcy.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Julie Willenborg, sisters-in-law, Jeanne Willenborg and Pat Willenborg; and brother-in-law, Bill Pearcy.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of Mel’s caregivers, especially, Angie, Pam, Katee, and Joe.